Wendell C. Neville
Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Medal of Honor Recipient
Class of 1890- Commandant of the Marine Corps, 1929 - 1930
- Born: 12 May 1870, Portsmouth, Portsmouth County, VA
- Rank: Lieutenant Colonel (Highest Rank: Major General)
- Organization: United States Marine Corps
Citation
For distinguished conduct in battle engagements of Vera Cruz, 21-22 April 1914. In command of the 2d Regiment Marines, Lt. Col. Neville was in both days' fighting and almost continually under fire from soon after landing, about noon on the 21st, until we were in possession of the city, about noon of the 22d. His duties required him to be at points of great danger in directing his officers and men, and he exhibited conspicuous courage, coolness, and skill in his conduct of the fighting. Upon his courage and skill depended, in great measure, success or failure. His responsibilities were great, and he net them in a manner worthy of commendation.
Biography
Wendell C. Neville was born at Portsmouth, Virginia, on 12 May 1870. He graduated from the Naval Academy in the class of 1890 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1892. He was brevetted to captain in 1898 for his outstanding leadership and valor at Guantanamo Bay, and in 1900 he was commended for gallantry for his role in the China Relief Expedition.
In 1914, Neville led the Marines ashore at Veracruz, Mexico, and was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry. During World War I, he commanded the 5th Marines at Belleau Wood and later rose to command of the 4th Marine Brigade.
Promoted to major general in 1923, Neville succeeded Lejeune as Commandant on 5 March 1929. He died at Edgewater Beach, Maryland, on 8 July 1930, only 16 months after taking office. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
